Shipping News 2019

fire on the St Clair in Port of Toledo - Sunday, February 17, 2019

Coast Guard conducts pollution assessment following
fire on the St Clair in Port of Toledo

#LSN_Shipping Fire on the 762-foot St Clair

Toledo, Ohio - February 17, 2019 (LSN)The Coast Guard is conducting pollution assessment of the Maumee River following a fire onboard a vessel at the CSX Torco terminal in Oregon, Ohio in the Port of Toledo, Saturday.

Watchstanders in the Coast Guard Sector Detroit Command Center were notified of the fire about 9: 30 p.m. by members of Coast Guard Station Toledo. The Coast Guard responded along with fire fighters from eight local fire departments

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - February 2, 2019 (LSN) Generally wet conditions persisted across the upper Great Lakes basin in January, and water levels of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron remain well above average. The above-average levels coupled with strong winds and waves continue to result in shoreline erosion and coastal damages across the upper Great Lakes system. Additional shoreline erosion and coastal damages may occur this winter should active weather continue.

DULUTH, MINNESOTA - January 26, 2019 (LSN) Commissioner Michael “Mike” Jugovich was appointed by the St. Louis County (SLC) Board effective January 8, 2019. The Duluth Seaway Port Authority announced today that Grand Rapids native Jayson Hron has been named Director of Communications and Marketing. joins the leadership team effective February 1, 2019.

Port of Thunder Bay Reports End to Strong Shipping Season - Monday, January 14, 2019

Port of Thunder Bay Reports End 2018
to Strong Shipping Season

#LSN_Shipping MV Kaministiqua Photo Matthew Carlson

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - January 14, 2019 (LSN) The final vessel of the shipping season departed the Port of Thunder Bay Sunday, January 13, capping off a busy end to another good year at the Lake Superior port. MV Kaministiqua is headed for Windsor with a load of canola from the Canadian prairies.

The Federal churchill entering the Mission River entrace docking at the Superior Terminal

Sault Ste Marie Lift Bridge
By David Kaye Time Lapse Video, Joseph L Block up bound out of the Soo Locks, then Rt Hon Paul J Martin down bound for the Locks and finally the train into Canada.
5-26-18

...

Shipping News 2017 18

Port of Thunder Bay November Report - Thursday, December 6, 2018

OCEAN VESSEL TRAFFIC BOOSTING CARGO VOLUMES AS SEASON-END NEARS

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THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - November 6, 2018 (LSN) The Port of Thunder Bay had very high ocean vessel traffic in the month of November, a trend that is continuing in December and making for a strong end to the shipping season. Twenty ocean vessels – commonly referred to as ‘salties’ – called the Port in November to load or unload with internationally-trading cargo. This is the highest number of salties to visit the Port in any single month since 2015.

Liberals to Cancel Marine Security Enforcement Team Program for Ontario

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THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - November 5, 2018 (LSN) MP Dave Van Kesteren recently made aware of the Liberal Government’s intention to cancel the MSET program in Ontario. MSET is a joint operation between the Canadian Coast Guard and the RCMP to protect the entirety of the Great Lakes. MSET patrols known smuggling routes and intercepts guns, drugs, contraband tobacco and other illegal items destined for organized crime in Canada.

THUNDER BAY, ONATAIO - November 4, 2018 (LSN) Extremely wet weather and a significant rise in Lake Superior levels will result in St. Marys River outflows being increased in November.

An exceptional amount of precipitation fell in the Lake Superior basin from October 8th to 11th, causing a rapid and significant rise in Lake Superior water levels. Lake Superior rose 8 cm (3 in) overall last month, while on average it declines 4 cm (2 in) in October.

CLEVELAND, OHIO – October 24, 2018 (LSN) President Trump yesterday signed America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, legislation that includes the Soo Lock Post-Authorization Change Report that authorizes construction of a second Poe-sized lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to move forward. The President had pledged to “fix” the Soo Locks in April.

Port of Duluth-Superior supports nearly 8,000 jobs and generates $1.4 billion in economic activity according to Great Lakes-Seaway study

#LSN_Shipping Mesabi Miner entering Port of Duluth by Jan Swart

PORT OF DULUTH, MINNESOTA - September 8, 2018 (LSN) The Port of Duluth-Superior generated $1.4 billion in economic activity and supported 7,881 jobs last year. Handling 35 million short tons of cargo generated over $504 million in total wages, salaries and purchases of goods and services in the regional economy. Cargo movement and vessel activity at the port also generated a total of nearly $240 million in federal/state tax revenues.

THUNDER BAY, ONATAIO - August 31, 2018 (LSN) At the beginning of September, Lake Superior is 14 cm (6 in) above average (1918 – 2017), but 11 cm (4 in) below the level at this time last year. Lake Michigan-Huron is currently 43 cm (17 in) above average, and at the same level as last year’s beginning-of-September level. Lake Superior rose 2 cm (0.8 in) last month, while on average Lake Superior rises 1 cm (0.4 in) in August. Lake Michigan-Huron remained stable in August, while on average it declines 4 cm (2 in). The level of Lake Superior is expected to remain relatively stable in September, and Lake Michigan-Huron is expected to resume its seasonal decline.

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO _ August 3, 2018 (LSN) Grain elevators have been busy the past several weeks in the Port of Thunder Bay. For only the second time in twenty years, July grain volumes surpassed 800,000 metric tonnes.

The surge brings the grain tally at the port in line with the previous season and 4% greater than the five-year average.

Lake Carriers’ 2018 State of The Lakes Report - Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Lake Carriers’ Association’s 2018 State of The Lakes Report
Sees Significant Progress on Most Important Issues Facing Industry

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CLEVELAND. OHIO – July 25, 2018 (LSN) Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA) is reporting significant progress on issues critical to the future of Great Lakes shipping in its 2018State of the Lakes Reportreleased today. LCA has represented U.S.-flag vessel operators on the Great Lakes since 1880.

The cover of the report features a 1,000-foot-long U.S.-flag laker transiting the Poe Lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and for good reason. On June 29, 2018, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued its New Soo Lock Economic Validation Study that determined building a second Poe-sized lock has a benefit/cost ratio of 2.42, well above the level required for inclusion in an Administration budget. Upon the study’s release James C. Dalton, the Corps’ Director of Civil Works, stressed “The strategic importance of the Soo Locks cannot be overstated.” Lake Carriers’ Association’s 2018 State of The Lakes Report
Sees Significant Progress on Most Important Issues Facing Industry

WASHINGTON DC – July 22, 2018 (LSN) According to a new study, the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway navigation system supports more than 237,000 jobs, 147,500 of which are located in the eight U.S. Great Lakes states. In addition, the study found that in the United States, maritime commerce on the waterway in 2017 supported $25.6 billion in economic activity, $10.5 billion in annual personal income, and $4.6 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue.

DULUTH, MINNESOTA, June 19, 2018 (LSN) President Donald Trump plans to visit Duluth Wednesday, June 20, his first since just before his election. The rally is at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. for general admission.

Trump's campaign said Monday he's expected to discuss the economy, trade and his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The rally is at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. for general admission. Tickets must be reserved via the Trump campaign website .

The American Spirit floated free from the bottom due to a water level rise in the harbor. It proceeded under its own power, with tug assistance, to the Husky Fuel dock. An examination of the interior and exterior of the hull is ongoing.

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - June 11, 2018 (LSN) The month of May was a strong one at the Port of Thunder Bay, the highlight being the variety of shipments moving across port docks. Commodity shipments of grain, coal and potash were consistent, with over 1.0 million metric tonnes (MT) of bulk cargo being loaded for outbound shipment.

Thunder Bay is the primary Seaway export port for Western Canadian bulk commodities; potash shipments have been well above average for the past year due to increased direct overseas exports, and this trend continued in May. Grain volumes were bolstered by large shipments of wheat, which is up year-over-year in the port. Large quantities of soybeans also contributed to the grain tally; volumes of soybeans have increased steadily at the port in recent years and a record volume of 387,000 MT was set last year.

Great Waters Research Collaborative releases study on laker ballast water

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SUPERIOR, WISCONSIN. – June 4, 2018 (LSN) The Great Waters Research Collaborative (GWRC), a project of the University of Wisconsin-Superior’s Lake Superior Research Institute (LSRI), released results of a study today on nonindigenous species of plankton in ballast discharges from U.S. and Canadian lakers to western Lake Superior. The research builds on work conducted by others in the Great Lakes in recent years.

Operators of the lakers proposed the study as a means of complying with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ballast water permitting requirements, and approached GWRC to undertake the scientific research. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency paid for the study via the U.S. Maritime Administration portion of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

Lake Superior below the level last year 4 in above average
Lake Michigan-Huron is 17 in above average
(1918 – 2017)

#LSN_Shipping high water levels in the upper Great Lakes

THUNDER BAY, ONATAIO - June 5, 2018 (LSN) Lake Superior began its seasonal rise in May, but rose just 5 cm (2 in) as dry conditions persisted in the basin for a third straight month. Conditions were wetter downstream, and as a result, Lake Michigan-Huron rose 11 cm (4 in) last month. At the beginning of June, Lake Superior is 10 cm (4 in) above average (1918 – 2017), but 12 cm (5 in) below the level at this time last year. Lake Michigan-Huron is currently 44 cm (17 in) above average, 10 cm (4 in) above last year’s beginning-of-June level and the highest since 1997. The seasonal water level rise is expected to continue on both lakes in June.

Great Lakes Ice-Breaking is a Team Effort

#LSN_Shipping A U.S. Coast Guard cutter and Canadian Coast Guard ship assists a vessel

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - May 7, 2018 (LSN) The Ninth District is proud to be part of the team effort meeting the challenge of a record season in Great Lakes ice-breaking operations. Working with the Canadian Coast Guard and members of the shipping industry throughout the region, our cutters have logged thousands of hours and miles to keep commerce moving in what has been, to date, the iciest Winter of the past 25 years.

The U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards and their industry partners have developed a broad ice-breaking strategy, which is reviewed at a yearly conference held in the Fall. During the Winter season, we all participate in daily “ice calls,” conference calls which set the current ice-breaking priorities. It is here that both U.S. and Canadian assets are allocated as industry provides information on commercial traffic as well as local conditions.

Lake Superior is 15 cm (6 in) above average

#LSN_Shipping high water levels in the upper Great Lakes

THUNDER BAY, ONATAIO - May 5, 2018 (LSN) The Lake Superior water level declined by a record 3 cm (1 in) in April, normally the month that it begins its seasonal rise, and at the beginning-of-May, Lake Superior is 15 cm (6 in) above average (1918 - 2017), but 4 cm (2 in) below the level at this time last year. Lake Michigan-Huron saw wetter weather in April and levels resumed their seasonal rise, increasing 10 cm (4 in) last month. Lake Michigan-Huron is currently 41 cm (16 in) above average, 10 cm (4 in) above last year’s beginning-of-May level and the highest since 1998. The seasonal water level rise is expected to begin on Lake Superior and continue on Lake Michigan-Huron in May.

Despite the recent decline on Lake Superior, the above-average levels coupled with strong winds and waves continue to result in shoreline erosion and coastal damages across the upper Great Lakes system. Additional shoreline erosion and coastal damages may occur this spring and summer should active weather continue.

ATC cables capped, sealed
Straights of Mackinac

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MACKINAW CITY, MICHIGAN , — April 30, 2018 (LSN) All of the affected utility cables owned by American Transmission Company have been soldered, capped, sealed and laid on the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac in its original position, Sunday.

ATC is preparing a long-term plan to remove the damaged cables, under the oversight of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

Unified Command approves plan to cap, seal severed utility cables

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MACKINAW CITY, MICHIGAN. — April 26, 2018 (LSN) The Unified Command approved a plan developed by American Transmission Company, contracting with Durocher Marine and T&T Subsea, to cap and seal the two severed utility cables in the Straits of Mackinac, Wednesday.

Thursday, a tug, barge, and remotely operating underwater vehicle commenced operations to cap the ends of the two severed ATC utility cables.

One by one, the ends of severed cables will be lifted to the surface of the water, to solder and affix a permanent cap. The caps will be wrapped with the existing outer steel armor wires of the cables and banded with steel clamps

Ocean Shipping Season Opens
Port of Thunder Bay

#LSN_Shipping Federal Bering Captain Philips Kuruvilla with Top Hat

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO April 24, 2018 (LSN) The vessel M.V. Federal Bering became the first ocean-going “Salty” vessel to enter the Port of Thunder Bay during the 2018 navigation season, berthing at Richardson’s Main elevator Sunday, April 22. The vessel is loading 21,200 metric tonnes of Western Canadian Wheat in Thunder Bay. The supply chain for Canadian grain is the longest grain supply chain in the world, and the Seaway route through Thunder Bay is a critical link. Once loaded, Federal Bering will embark on a 7,800 kilometre journey to the destination port of Casablanca, Morocco.

Lakes Will Reap Many Benefits From Passage of Coast Guard Authorization Bill

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CLEVELAND, OHIO – April 16, 2018 (LSN) Protection of the environment and promotion of waterborne commerce will be well served by Senate passage of the Coast Guard Authorization Act. The bill, S.1129, includes provisions that will protect the Great Lakes from oil spills and non-native species and facilitate shipping during the ice season.

“This bill is a real win-win for the Lakes,” said James H.I. Weakley, President of the Lake Carriers’ Association, the trade association representing U.S.-flag vessel operators on the Great Lakes. “It is equally concerned with safeguarding our environment and fostering waterborne commerce, the most efficient mode of transportation for dry-bulk cargos.”

Work Continues on Mineral Spill Straits of Mackinac

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MACKINAW CITY, MICHIGAN – April 15, 2018 (LSN) The Unified Command has announced that the American Transmission Company is slated to deploy sonar scanning technology and a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) to better assess damage to the affected utility cables this week, as soon as weather conditions no longer pose a danger to responders.

First Saltie arrive tonight
Port of Duluth Federal Weser

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DULUTH, MINNESOTA - April 12, 2018 (LSN) The first ‘saltie’ of the 2018 commercial navigation season, the Federal Weser, is on its way to the Port of Duluth-Superior and is expected to arrive tonight by 10 p.m. Its official arrival time will be recorded when the ship passes beneath Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge.

Mineral oil spill Straits of Mackinac

#LSN_Econ

MACKINAW CITY, MICHIGAN - April 5, 2018 (LSN) The Unified Command has isolated the impacted utility lines and is monitoring the removal progress of the remaining mineral oil from those lines, Thursday.

The Oil Spill Response Organization, contracted by the American Transmission Company, removed approximately 10 percent of the mineral oil from one of the utility lines yesterday. The Unified Command will continue to consult with oil recovery experts and engineers today to ensure the oil extraction process is effective.

M.V. CSL Welland Opens Navigation
Port of Thunder Bay

#LSN_Shipping Photo byMatthew Carlson

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - March 28, 2018 M.V. CSL Welland is the first vessel to arrive in the Port of Thunder Bay during the 2018 navigation season, and received the traditional Top Hat in a ceremony today. The CSL Welland arrived in Port on Tuesday, March 27, berthing at noon at G3 elevator. The vessel is taking on a load of grain.

The CSL Welland holds the record for the largest single shipment of grain loaded in the Port of Thunder Bay. On August 16, 2016 the vessel departed the Port with 31,064 metric tonnes of grain. Built in 2014, the CSL Welland is one of dozens of new ships transiting the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway System thanks to a wave of fleet re-investment by Canadian shipping companies in recent years.

SAULT STE. MARIE, MICHIGAN March 24, 2018 (LSN) U.S. Coast Guard cutters are breaking ice in Lake Superior, Bay of Green Bay, Straits of Mackinac and the St. Marys River as part of Spring Breakout in preparation for the seasonal opening of the Soo Locks, which are scheduled to open to commercial vessel traffic on Sunday.

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw, Coast Guard Cutter Morro Bay and Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley will enter through the locks prior to the official opening.

U.S.-Flag Great Lakes Fleet Ready
To Meet Needs of Commerce

CLEVELAND, OHIO March 21, 2018 (LSN) Crews are readying the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet for another shipping season. Five dry-bulk vessels have already resumed operation, but the bulk of the fleet will get underway once the locks at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, open on March 25.

Last year U.S.-flag lakers hauled 85.7 million tons of cargo, an increase of 3 percent over 2016. Iron ore for steel production was the largest single commodity carried by U.S.-flag lakers: 46 million tons. Limestone cargos totaled 21.55 million tons. Coal shipments topped 13.3 million tons.

Shipping BeginsTuesday
Port Of Duluth

#LSN_Shipping Erie Trader-Clyde S. VanEnkevort

Duluth, Minnesota, March 19, 2018 (LSN)The anticipated departure of six vessels this week signals a strong start to the 2018 commercial shipping season for the Port of Duluth-Superior and the entire region. All will be leaving their winter berths to load iron ore for delivery to steel mills on the Lower Great Lakes—this nation’s industrial heartland.

5 cm (2 in) below the record-high
set in February 1986

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - March 7, 2018 (LSN) Wet conditions returned to the Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron basins in February and water levels remain well above average. The monthly mean level of Lake Superior in February was 183.58 m (602.3 ft), the 2nd highest on record (1918 - present) and just 5 cm (2 in) below the record-high set in February 1986. Lake Michigan-Huron’s mean February level was 176.74 m (579.86 ft), the 12th highest on record and the highest since 1997.

The high levels coupled with strong winds and waves have resulted in shoreline erosion and coastal damages across the upper Great Lakes system. Additional shoreline erosion and coastal damages may occur should active weather continue

Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron above chart datum

#LSN_Shipping high water levels in the upper Great Lakes

THUNDER BAY, ONATAIO - February 3, 2018 (LSN) More seasonable conditions returned to the Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron basins in January. Nonetheless, both lakes continue to see the effects of a wet spring and summer, and water levels of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron remain well above average as a result.

The monthly mean level of Lake Superior in January was 183.65 m (602.53 ft), the 2nd highest on record (1918 - present) and the highest since January 1986.

Port of Thunder Bay
Closes Solid Season

#LSN_Shipping Wind Turbines

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - January 10, 2018 (LSN) The Port of Thunder Bay is closing up for the season, with three wintering vessels arriving today bringing the total of wintering ships in Port to seven. The final shipment of grain for the season departed the Port on January 4 aboard MV CSL Laurentien.

Despite closing a bit earlier than normal, total Port shipments for the season were 7% above the five-year average. The total annual cargo volume of 8.84 million metric tonnes for the season was just a fraction higher than the 8.83 million tonnes recorded a year before. The Port’s five-year average cargo tonnage is 8.29 million tonnes.

U.S.-Flag Great Lakes Fleet Will Get $65 Million Tune-Up This Winter

CLEVELAND, OHIO – January 4, 2018 (:SN) U.S.-flag Great Lakes vessel operators will spend $65 million maintaining and modernizing their vessels at Great Lakes shipyards this winter. When complete, the fleet will be ready to meet the needs of commerce come the spring break-out in March.

“Winter is the one opportunity our members have to renew and upgrade their vessels,” said James H.I. Weakley, President of Lake Carriers’ Association, the trade association representing the major U.S.-flag carriers. “They have just 10 months to deliver their customers’ annual raw materials requirement, so the vessels are in service 24/7 during the shipping season.”

Port of Thunder Bay Unveils New Brand
The Superior Way West

​#LSN_Shipping

THUNDER BAY, ON, November 17, 2017: - (LSN) The Port of Thunder Bay today launched a refresh of its corporate brand strategy, unveiling a new logo and tagline, “The Superior Way West”. The new brand strategy supports the Port of Thunder Bay’s strategic growth objectives and vision as the preferred marine route for European trade with western Canada.

Says Tim Heney, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Thunder Bay; “The Port of Thunder Bay’s new brand will enhance our market proposition as the superior way to and from western Canadian markets. We felt it was time to strengthen the Port of Thunder Bay’s global brand strategy as a provider of world-class port facilities and services in the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway to national and international supply chain customers.

TBay PORT ON TARGET FOR
STRONG SEASON FINISH

#LSN_Shipping Steel Pipe distributed to laydown area

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - November 8, 2017 (LSN) The Port of Thunder Bay is on track to ship 9-million metric tonnes of cargo this season, a level achieved just three times in the past 20 years. As of October 31 the port has handled 6.7 million tonnes of cargo, 11% ahead of the five-year average of 6.0 million tonnes year-to-date.

Cargo volumes are 7% ahead of last year despite October shipments being lighter than in 2016. “October tends to be a volatile month in the port,” says Tim Heney, the Port Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, “Last year the port saw very strong grain shipments in October, and this year those shipments were closer to average.”

Project cargo shipments keeping Port Busy

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO --- October 5, 2017 (LSN) Project cargo shipments are keeping the Port's general cargo docks busy this season. In September, the Port received shipments of wind turbine towers, modular building components and structural steel, all dimensional cargoes originating overseas and destined for the Prairie provinces. This adds to an already diverse season for project cargoes which has included electrical transformers, pressure vessels, rail lengths and other modularized structures.

The 154 modular building components that were offloaded by Logistec Stevedoring last month are currently being stored in the Port's ample laydown area. They will be trucked to Alberta where they are being constructed into a hotel.

DULUTH, MINNESOTA -- September 20, 2017 (LSN) Representatives will joined partners from Duluth Cargo Connect, plus customers and other officials today, for an official ribbon-cutting event at their new Duluth Intermodal Terminal.

Duluth Cargo Connect today announced a new alliance establishing the first rail-served intermodal container ramp in the Twin Ports of Duluth, Minn. and Superior, Wis

PORT Thunder Bay SHIPMENTS UP 17%
BUSY SEPTEMBER AHEAD

#LSN_Shipping Algoma Mariner loading Grain at Superior Elevator

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO September 5, 2017 (LSN) The Port of Thunder Bay remains well-ahead of last year in cargo volume as of August 31. Year-to-date grain volumes are 10% higher than last year, while total port shipments of all goods are up 17%. Shipments in August were slightly above the ten-year average for the month at 750,000 metric tonnes. Potash and coal volumes continued to be strong, offsetting the slight dip in grain movements for the month.

A good mix of cargoes have been crossing port docks this season, including ten-year-high potash volumes and a variety of project cargoes.